My Three Principles

                         Intuition suggests pathways to compelling images.

 

Successful artwork often finds its genesis in moments where the artist is powerfully drawn to an image or concept without initially understanding the source of the attraction. I embrace the urge to capture images that I find compelling, only later to discover through reflection what drew me to such images in the first place.

            Eclectic subjects enable discovery.

I am broadly curious about the world and its inhabitants, and this curiosity infuses the images I produce.  One of the great privileges of photography is the possibility of discovering connections and reflections across what appear at first glance to be vastly different material and subject matter.

            Narrative and context are critical photographic materials.

I seek to stimulate the viewer’s imagination to supply a story or context for any given image. At times, such a story or context is made easily available, especially when the visual cues are evident and easily recognizable ― for instance, when the subject image is figurative or 'realistic' -and known- to the viewer. Sometimes, however, especially in my more abstract work, narrative and contextual cues can arise from employing technical and structural photographic elements to suggest a scene, story, or intention, such as the use of strongly directional light, high contrast, and attention to dramatic details, to name just a few. Even such a seemingly simple thing as a title is an opportunity for me to offer a contextual cue. I would add that my many years in the theatre ―where story, visual symbols, character conflict, and a 'dramatic arc' are key concepts― have greatly influenced my photographic practice. As formerly with the theatre -and now with photography- I still seek to engage the viewers, encouraging them to spend time with and delve deeper into the image, whether with their story, their context, or mine.